A106B vs A106C vs A53B Type S

(Seamless)
What is the difference between the material specifications for A106 Grade B
Seamless pipe and A53 Grade B (Type S) seamless pipe?
We are sometimes asked this question by Customers and whether or not they are
interchangeable. This article will focus on comparing the three most commonly
requested ones- A106B, A106C and A53B seamless and will highlight some of the key
factors an engineer would focus on in their selection process.
First and foremost, let’s start with the most important concept – suppliers and
manufacturers must always follow the designated requirements and specifications
invoked for a specified line item or order. 1
A customer must exercise caution when evaluating these specifications to allow proper
selection between these two materials. For starters, a visual inspection of the pipe will
determine whether or not the pipe is seamless or welded, but it will not reveal which
specification.
A106 is only produced as a seamless product and is available in three grades; A, B, C.
There are no Types in A106 because it is produced only as a seamless product.
A53 comes in two grades and three types. A53 can be produced as a seamless product
(A53 Grade A Type S (Seamless) and A53 Grade B Type S (Seamless) or as a welded
product (A53 Grade B Type E (Welded), A53 Grade A Type E (Welded) or A53 Grade A
Type F (Welded)).

Seamless pipe is often made by drawing a solid shape over a mandrel to form the
configuration of a tube. Welded pipe is more commonly made by rolling a flat strip of
material into a tube and joining the edges together with a longitudinal weld. The weld can
be made by either Electric Resistance Welding (Type E) or by Furnace Butt
Welded/Continuous Welding (Type F).

The ASTM A106 specification is for seamless carbon steel pipe for High-Temperature
Service. A106 must be produced with killed steel 2. It covers nominal pipe sizes (NPS)
1/8” NPS to 48 NPS”. For sizes 1- 1/2” NPS and under, A106 may be produced by two
different processes; either hot finished or cold drawn. Unless otherwise specified, pipe 2″
NPS and over shall be furnished hot finished. Typical uses for A106 are for handling
liquids and gasses at high temperatures and pressures in power plants, oil refineries,
and industrial facilities.
The ASTM A53 specification is for steel pipe of welded or seamless construction, and
available in black or hot-dipped zinc-coating (aka galvanized) 3. A53 does not require the
use of killed steel as a starting material. It covers nominal pipe sizes 1/8” NPS to NPS
26” NPS. It is incumbent upon a purchaser to request the grade and type, whether black
or galvanized, and the desired end configuration. A53 does not require nor prohibit any
specific process (such as hot finished or cold drawn or other process) in the production
of seamless pipe. Typical uses of A53 pipe are structural applications or for low pressure
fluid systems such as air, gas, and water.
Since A106 seamless can be hot finished or cold drawn, in very, very basic terms the
difference between the two is a matter of the temperature at which the process is
performed. Hot finished pipe is produced at temperatures over about 1700F° while cold
drawn is produced at much lower temperatures and with more processing. In general,
cold drawn pipe has an improved surface finish and better dimensional control.4
As one can see in the Chemical Composition Chart below it is first important to identify
the actual specifications and grades by the revision years to effectively compare. Here
we will compare the ASTM A106-15 in both the B and C grades to ASTM A53-12 Grade
B in Type S (Seamless).
 Chemical Composition %

tandard Grade Process

C P S Si Cr˟ Cu˟ Ni˟ Mo˟ V˟
Mn*
max max max min max max max max max

ASTM
0.29-
A106- B SMLS 0.30* 0.035 0.035 0.10 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.15 0.08
1.06
15

ASTM
0.29-
A106- C SMLS 0.35* 0.035 0.035 0.10 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.15 0.08
1.06
15

ASTM
B SMLS 0.30* 1.20 0.05 0.045 --- 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.15 0.08
A53-12

As one can see in the charts below, there are no major differences in chemistry and
mechanical properties that would prevent a mill from producing a pipe that will meet
these requirements of A106 Grade B and A53 Grade B Type S (Seamless).
Now let’s look at the chemistry nuances as there is a more to review. 5 First, the specified
elements within the two specifications are not the same. A53B does not have a
requirement for minimum silicon content (although silicon can be present); for A106,
however, the minimum silicon content is 0.10%. Silicon is regarded as an important
element for improving the heat resistance ability. The manganese, phosphorous and
sulfur requirements are different, but the maximums are quite high and material rarely
approaches these values. The remaining elements are the same for the B grades.
As for the mechanical properties, A106-15 Grade B and A53-12 Grade B Seamless have
the same tensile strength, yield strength and the same elongation values in 2” NPS when
tested with a longitudinal strip test specimen.
What then are the differences between A106 grades B and C?6The maximum allowable
carbon content is higher in Grade C; which can result in higher mechanical properties
due to this increased carbon content. An engineer may be interested in this higher
tensile and yield strength provided by Grade C when selecting materials for high
temperature service.
Regarding the need for heat treatment, the only requirements are A106 requires cold
drawn material to be stress relieved at 1200°F or higher. A53 Grades A and B seamless
products do not require heat treatment at all. (In the case of Cylinder Cold
Drawn Tubes, with the exception of tubes called RTU ready to use or
S.S.I.D. that for tolerance reasons and internal roughness do not require
heat treatment after the cold drawing operation, in all the other cases stress
relieving is necessary, and in some cases, mandatory.) from other
reference document also see below A53 not required heat treatment
Additional points where differences exist between A106 and A53 include weight,
dimensions, and end finish. For A53, the weight of any pipe shall not vary more than
10% from its specified weight. For A106, the mass of any length of pipe shall not vary
more than 10% over and 3.5% under that specified.
Dimensions are different and may be more restrictive in either specification; depending
on the ordered size in NPS. Please refer to the Dimensions Chart below for specific
tolerances for the outside diameter. A53 and A106 have the same wall thickness
tolerance; the minimum wall at any point shall not be more than 12.5% under the
specified wall thickness.
The end finish for A106 pipe 1-1/2” NPS and less for all wall thicknesses shall be plain
end square cut or plain end beveled at the option of the manufacturer. For A106 pipe of
2” NPS and larger, walls through extra strong shall be plain end beveled, and walls over
extra strong shall be plain end square cut. Threaded ends are not an available option.
Available end finishes in A53 are plain end or threaded. Plain ends may be either
beveled or square cut. For 1-1/2” NPS and less, the end finish is the option of the
manufacturer unless otherwise specified. 2” NPS and larger pipe of standard or extra
strong weight, or wall thickness less than .500” (except double extra- strong) shall be
plain end beveled. Pipe with a specified wall thickness greater than .500” and all double
extra-strong pipe shall be plain end square cut. Threaded ends are available and may be
ordered with couplings.
Dual certification occurs when a manufacturer produces pipe that meets the more
stringent requirements between the specifications involved; including, but not limited to,
melt practice and processing, chemistry control, dimensions, and weight per length. It is
easy to understand, therefore, how it is possible for a mill to dual certify pipe as A106
Grade B and A53 Grade B Type S (Seamless); or even triple certify as A106 Grade B/C
and A53 Grade B Type S (Seamless)
Not surprising, it is common for a customer (be it a purchasing professional or engineer)
to request A106 as an alternative to A53 seamless. Based on a customer’s review and
decision-making and that the requirement is not for galvanized pipe, we can provide this
alternative.
One last thought to mention is that there can be a difference between ASME (often
referred to as the Code) and ASTM specifications for what at first glance may seem like
similar material. This can be a confusing issue. It is helpful to first recognize that there
may be little difference or great difference between the specifications for ASTM and
ASME.7 For a more detailed analysis of the general differences between ASME & ASTM
go to the article entitled WHITEPAPER: ASTM vs ASME - Understanding the
relationship between the two at https://goo.gl/93obyO.8
 At Tioga, a deep dive into your requirements is what we love to do. To contact a Tioga
sales representative call 800-523-3678 or sales@tiogapipe.com or for a specific location
go to http://goo.gl/PboZNp.

Comparison Charts:

Chemical Composition Chart:

Chemical Composition %

Standard Grade Process

C P S Si Cr˟ Cu˟ Ni˟ Mo˟ V˟
Mn*
max max max min max max max max max

ASTM 0.29-
B SMLS 0.30* 0.035 0.035 0.10 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.15 0.08
A106-15 1.06

ASTM 0.29-
C SMLS 0.35* 0.035 0.035 0.10 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.15 0.08
A106-15 1.06

ASTM
B SMLS 0.30* 1.20 0.05 0.045 --- 0.40 0.40 0.40 0.15 0.08
A53-12

* For each reduction of 0.01% below the specified carbon maximum, an increase of 0.06% manganese above
the specified maximum will be permitted up to a maximum of 1.65%.

x The sum of these five elements shall not exceed 1% (1.00% for A53)

--- No requirement for this element

Mechanical Properties Chart:

Tensile Yield Elongation in 2” Elongation in 2”

Standard Grade
Strength Strength (%) (%)
Process
(MPa) (MPa) MinimumLong. MinimumTrans.
Min Min Strip Test Strip Test

ASTM A106- 60,000 35,000

B SMLS 30 16.5
15 [415] [240]

ASTM A106- 70,000 40,000

C SMLS 30 16.5
15 [485] [275]
 Tensile Yield Elongation in 2” Elongation in 2”
Standard Grade
Strength Strength (%) (%)
Process
(MPa) (MPa) MinimumLong. MinimumTrans.
Min Min Strip Test Strip Test

ASTM A53- 60,000 35,000

B SMLS 30 See Spec
12 [415] [240]

Dimensions Chart:
Permissible Variations in Outside Diameter
Standard
NPS” OVER UNDER

ASTM A53-12 1-1/2 and less 1/64” (0.015”) 1/64” (0.015”)

ASTM A53-12 2 and over 1% of OD 1% of OD

ASTM A106-15 1/8 to 1-1/2 1/64” (0.015”) 1/64” (0.015”)

ASTM A106-15 Over 1-1/2 to 4 1/32” (0.031”) 1/32” (0.031”)

ASTM A106-15 Over 4 to 8 1/16” (0.062”) 1/32” (0.031”)

ASTM A106-15 Over 8 to 18 3/32” (0.093”) 1/32” (0.031”)

ASTM A106-15 Over 18 to 26 1/8” (0.125”) 1/32” (0.031”)

ASTM A106-15 Over 26 to 34 5/32” (0.156”) 1/32” (0.031”)

ASTM A106-15 Over 34 to 48 3/16” (0.187”) 1/32” (0.031”)

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1 Tioga is not an engineering firm and does not recommend or select specifications and/or products to
purchase.

2 Killed steel is steel that is deoxidized to such a level that essentially no reaction occurred between carbon
and oxygen during solidification resulting in final products with a more chemically uniform analysis or
integration from the bottom to the top of the ingot.

3
Galvanized is unique to A53. A106 can only be a substitute for A53 if the Customer does not state that
there is a requirement for galvanized finish. A53 cannot be substituted for A106 unless it is dual certified by
 the manufacturer as A53/A106 due to the more restrictive requirements of A106.

4 For a more detailed analysis go to Tubular Goods- Hot Finished vs. Cold Drawn at https://goo.gl/13GyYN

5
For a complete detail of all chemistries and mechanicals please refer to the actual tables in the
specifications or feel free to ask a Tioga salesperson to help you.

6 There is no A53 Grade C so no comparison can be made.

7 For example - SA106 in the 2015 ASME Code and ASTM A106-08 are the same.

8
It is important to understand the interplay between ASTM and ASME specifications because the risk of
supplying, fabricating and/or installing incorrect material
Differences between ASTM A53 B and ASTM A106 B
Steel Pipe
Home > Faqs > Standards > Differences between ASTM A53 B and ASTM A106 B Steel Pipe

Differences between ASTM A53 B and ASTM A106 B

Steel Pipe
POSTED ON 2017-12-01

The scope of ASTM A106 and A53

ASTM A53 specification covers the steel pipe manufacturing types in seamless and welded,
material in carbon steel, black steel. Surface natural, black, and hot-dipped galvanized, zinc
coated steel pipe. Diameters range from NPS 1⁄8 to NPS 26 (10.3mm to 660mm), nominal
wall thickness.

ASTM A106 standard specification covers the seamless carbon steel pipe, applied for high-
temperature services.

Different types and grades for both standard

ASTM A53 steel pipe types and grades

For ASTM A53 there are ERW and seamless steel pipes Type F, E, S covers Grade A and B.
A53 Type F, furnace butt welded, continuous weld Grade A
A53 Type E, Electric resistance welded (ERW), in Grade A and Grade B.
A53 Type S, Seamless steel pipe, in Grade A and Grade B.

If raw steel material of different grades in process of continuously casting, the transition
material result shall be identified. And the manufacturer should remove the transition
material with the processes that could separate the grades positively.

In case ASTM A53 Grade B in ERW (electric resistance welded) pipe, the weld seam shall
be done the heat treatment with a minimum 1000°F [540°C]. In this way the no untempered
martensite remains.

In case ASTM A53 B pipe in cold expanded, then expansion should not exceed 1.5% of the
required OD.
(Please note the type F is not used for flanging, and if type S or type E is applied for coiling
or cold bending, it is recommended to use ASTM A106 Grade A pipe. Although, it is not
prohibit to use ASTM A106 Grade B for the cold bending and coiling. According the facility
from the manufacturer, type E of ASTM A53 pipe could be supplied non cold expanded or
cold expand steel pipe.)

A53 B Chemical and mechanical properties

ASTM A53 Grade B chemical properties content C≤0.30%, Mn≤1.2%, P≤0.05%, S≤0.045%,
Cr≤0.40, Cu≤0.40, Ni≤0.40, Mo≤0.40, V≤0.08.
ASTM A53 B mechanical strength is the same with ASTM A106 B steel pipe, Tensile
strength maximum 415 Mpa, Yield strength maximum 240 Mpa.
Elongation: For A53 pipe there are 2 methods to calculate elongation.
A: Use equation: e = 625 000 [1940] A^0.2/U^0.9
B: See ASTM A53 elongation value table X4.1 or table X4.2 for different specimen area.
ASTM A106 steel pipe types and grades

For ASTM A106 steel pipe, manufacturing Type only in seamless, processes hot rolled and the cold
drawn. Grade in A, B and C.
ASTM A106 Grade A: Maximum Carbon element 0.25%, Mn 0.27-0.93%. Minimum tensile
strength 48000 Psi or 330 Mpa, yield strength 30000 Psi or 205 Mpa.
A106 Grade B: Maximum C below 0.30%, Mn 0.29-1.06%. Minimum tensile strength 60000
Psi or 415 Mpa, yield strength 35000 Psi or 240 Mpa.
Grade C: Maximum C 0.35%, Mn 0.29-1.06%. Minimum tensile strength 70000 Psi or 485
Mpa, yield strength 40000 Psi or 275 Mpa.
Differences on mechanical properties

ASTM A53 Grade B mechanical strength is same with ASTM A106 Grade B pipe.
Differences on Chemical properties

From below table listed the differences on chemicals for the three similar pipe:

As ASTM A106 B is the common use, the chemical here we listed is C≤0.3%, Mn 0.29-
1.06%, P≤0.035, S≤0.035%, Si>0.1, Cr≤0.40, Cu≤0.40, Ni≤0.40, Mo≤0.40, V≤0.08.

Differently with ASTM A53 B, ASTM A106 B has Si min 0.1%, which A53 B has 0, so A106
B have better heat resistance than A53 B, since Si improve the heat resistance.

A106 Grade B has low sulfur and phosphorus than A53 B, this is better.

Applications for both standards

Both pipes applied for mechanical and pressure systems, transporting steam, water, gas,
and etc.

ASTM A53 pipe application

1. Construction, underground transportation, extraction of ground water while building,

steam water transportation etc.
2. Bearing sets, machinery parts processing.
3. Electric application: Gas transmission, water power generation fluid pipeline.
4. Wind power plant anti-static tube etc.
5. Pipelines that required zinc coated.
ASTM A106 pipe application

Especially for high temperature services that up to 750°F, and it could substitute ASTM A53
pipe in most of the cases. In some country at least in United States, usually ASTM A53 is
for welded pipe while ASTM A106 is for seamless pipe. And if client asked for ASTM A53
they will also offer A106. In China, manufacturer will offer the pipe that comply to three
standards ASTM A53 B / ASTM A106 B / API 5L B.

More details about ASTM A53 Grade B

More details for ASTM A106 Grade B